The Fate of Jerusalem in the Wars and Agreements of the Ayyubid Kings (583-642 AH / 1187-1244 AD)

Abstract

This study aims to present the historical transformations that occurred in the identity of Jerusalem under the Ayyubid state, from the restoration of the "Holy City" to Islamic rule during the reign of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (583 AH / 1187 AD), to its re-handing over to the Crusaders by his successors, the Ayyubid kings, in two deals; the first by King Al-Kamil Ayyubi, Salah al-Din's nephew and son-in-law (626 AH / 1229 AD), and the second by three Ayyubid kings who ruled parts of the Levant (642 AH / 1244 AD).

The historical data of the study show the great importance that Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi placed on the restoration of Jerusalem, which was a major goal for the Islamic world, and the significant power and reputation this restoration brought to the founder of the Ayyubid state. However, during the reign of his successors, Saladin's important achievement turned into a bargaining chip in agreements with the Crusaders amid internal Ayyubid conflicts and attempts to control each other. This exposed them to much criticism and anger as they could not protect this great achievement. Instead, they engaged in internal conflict and division in the struggle for power. This research is based on the historical analytical method and focuses on how the Ayyubid kings dealt with the sensitive issue of Jerusalem, "the holy city," in the post-Saladin era.